VCU welcomes largest class to date

Sarah Hagen, Contributing Writer 

VCU welcomes more than 4,500 first-year students during the New Student Convocation, possibly the largest class in university history, according to VCU Exposure.

The New Student Convocation and Spirit Walk took place on Aug. 21 as part of the university’s Weeks of Welcome activities. 

“VCU offers the Weeks of Welcome programs and events to help students develop a sense of belonging at VCU, to provide opportunities for students to get involved on campus and in the community and to connect students to resources across campus that will help them succeed,” stated Josh Skillman, interim director for communications and marketing for student affairs. 

There are 141 events and 11 signature events planned for the Weeks of Welcome, according to Skillman. Events are about more specific programs and opportunities, whereas signature events are large-scale programs for a broader audience. Everything will take place between Aug. 18 and Sept. 10. 

During convocation, freshmen gathered in Monroe Park to hear the university’s pep band, the cheer squad shout chants and speeches from VCU administration, including VCU President Michael Rao and new men’s basketball coach Ryan Odom. 

“It’s really important for you to be connected to who you really are,” Rao said. “A lot of people are gonna try to tell you what to think, what to feel. Only you know how you feel.” 

The pep band and the cheer squad led students around Monroe Park and parts of campus. Greek life organizations lined the street yelling their chants and cheering for the freshmen. 

Freshman psychology student Allison David said she chose VCU because of the city environment and the number of students. David said she’s excited to make friends and take psychology courses. 

“I like helping people, especially through therapy, and that’s what I want to do,” David said. 

David said she plans to look into literary and LGBTQ+ clubs. 

VCU has nearly 500 clubs, which can be found on RamsConnect. The Student Organization and Volunteer Fair will take place this Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Monroe Park, where students will have the chance to connect with clubs and organizations. 

Freshman graphic design student Shawn Francis chose VCU because of the arts program and the city campus. Francis said he is looking forward to exploring Richmond and its art scene. 

“I’m super excited,” Francis said. “The city looks cool enough as it is.” 

The Silent Headphone Party was the first signature event of Weeks of Welcome. The theme for the party was “out of this world,” according to Bria Taylor, the assistant director of Student Programming & Campus Engagement. 

Silver streamers and disco balls were hung on the walls and ceiling, and blue and purple lights flashed all over the ballroom venue to give off an outer space effect. Taylor said galaxies and the 2000s party scene were their inspirations for the decorations.

Two different DJs played at the party, one with international music and another with pop, hip hop and R&B. Taylor said the goal was to have a little bit of everything for everyone. 

Freshman bioinformatics student Niyati Kottury moved in earlier in the day, but she said she decided to check out the party because she didn’t just want to sit around in her dorm. 

Kottury said she loves meeting new people and is excited to do so in the new semester. She said this event was a chance to get used to the new environment. 

Freshman bioinformatics student Rhea Chatterjee is looking forward to making friends, getting organized for the school year and her classes. 

“I’m excited to take phage — I’ve always wanted to take a lab,” Chatterjee said. 

What’s new at VCU 

Campus restaurant Raising Cane’s closed at the end of the 2023 spring semester, according to a previous article by The Commonwealth Times.

VCU replaced Raising Cane’s with their own restaurant, Ram’s Coop, after hosting a blind taste test for students. 

VCU is in the pre-planning phase to build a new Honors College dorm at 700-716 W. Grace St. according to VCU’s Master Plan website. The website states that the building is “estimated to be completed by Fall 2026.” 

The website states that more than 700 beds are anticipated with traditional and semi-suite style units, as well as office, academic and event space. VCU opened a new College of Humanities and Science building on April 26 at 817 W. Franklin St. The six-floor, 168,000-square-foot building will have classroom space for over 10,000 students and up to 70 courses, according to VCU News.